Gamecocks land running back AJ Turner

Thursday

Jul 10, 2014 at 7:46 PM

Phil Kornblut

RB AJ Turner of Centreville, VA Thursday night announced a commitment to USC from The Opening in Beaverton, OR. Turner had narrowed his list to a final five of the Gamecocks, Clemson, Virginia, Ohio State and Michigan State.

"I love the football coaches, the academics and the university itself," Turner said. "I'll be going into a great position for very early playing time. I just love everything about South Carolina, the town, the people and the college itself and the history. And the football, the SEC is big time football. "

Turner visited USC in April and saw things then that led him to believe the Gamecock program would be a good fit.

"They met the criteria that I have," Turner said. "Good academics and academic support, a campus ministry, I'm big on church, and a good football program with stability and bowl games."

Last season Turner rushed for 1258 yards and 31 touchdowns. He is USC's second commitment of the week and 22nd for the 2015 class. He's the Gamecocks' first running back commitment.

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